It is certain that Brazil remains a deeply divided country for some time to come. And while volunteering for the Olympics might be still seen as supporting a majorly corrupt organisation, it has shown me not only the wonderful way in which sports and passion can connect people, but has given me a much broader and deeper understanding of the underreported political situation in Brazil as well as the struggles in this country that I could have never understood, had I not been there for the Olympics.
Céline Sonnenberg
Missing Yet Another Chance
The mass sexual assaults on New Year´s Eve in Cologne sparked outrage and shock all over Germany. Sadly this energy is not used to fight against sexual violence, but as a tool in a racist, anti-migration discourse.
The Social Cost of Volunteer Work
Gap years after high school, backpacking and work and travel abroad have become so normal in western countries, that an entire industry can thrive on these explorers. But while young backpackers collect nice experiences and gold stars on their CVs, a large number of people is suffering deeply from this industry.
Memories from the Middle East
As Europe dams off the Mediterranean, Middle Eastern refugees are stranded. Is the Middle East equipped to take in these rejects? A volunteer from a Lebanese refugee camp may have some answers.
A Breakfast Date with Kofi Annan
An event in the Swedish Parliament with Kofi Annan and the Swedish Princess for an intergovernmental organization, that is working towards democracy worldwide. Sounds too go to be true? But it isn ́t and our author even got to attend it!
There still is Hope in Greece
The Greek financial crisis has been all over the news over the last weeks. However what is usually overlooked in policy discussions are the very real direct impacts on the greek population. Our interview shows the harsh conditions in greek daily life.
Like Apples and Spinach
Sometimes you just have these sudden realizations, like scales falling from your eyes. One of these moments motivated this article; I have gone through the past 21 years of my life without actually thinking about transgender people and their struggle. To understand this topic better I have talked to a transitioning blogger and got incredibly positive answers. To find out how we ended up talking about apples and spinach and “Orange is the new Black” read on.
The Pink Elephant
The cluster of news about rape and maltreatment of women in India fill newspapers all over the world, but a solution for the problem seems untraceable. In one of the poorest regions of the country a group of women decided to fight violence with violence. A controversial success story:
